School of Law mock trials winner in driving seat
Winner of this year’s University of Bradford School of Law mock trials competition, David Eke revealed he never intended to enter the competition.
First-year law student David said he was persuaded to enter the annual mock trials contest by friends and lecturers.
During the competition, which is held in the university’s very own mock court room - Lady Hale Court - David acted as prosecution in a simulated assault case.
He won a smart car courtesy of competition sponsors, local law firm Proctor & Hobbs.
Speaking after his win, he said: “I originally didn't intend to enter the mock-trial competition. However, upon receiving pieces of advice from well-meaning and supportive lecturers and friends about how much of a brilliant experience the mock-trial would be for me, in not only improving my employability skills but also challenging me beyond what theory in class could, I threw in my hat.
“The experience was as brilliant as my lecturers and friends had said it would be. Having won the competition now, I feel immensely grateful for the experience, as well as for all my lecturers at the University of Bradford, my friends, and my family (in the UK and in Nigeria.
“I would advise every student to do the same. The School of Law preaches the mantra ‘the sky is my starting point’ and it is practising that by opening students up to experiences like this. I am grateful for the passion lecturers have for their students' careers.”
Pictured above (from left): Professor Engobo Emeseh, Professor Amir Sharif, David Benjamin Eke and law lecturer Tuiya Tembo
Aneesa Ehsan, who graduated in law from the University in 2014 and is a founding partner of Proctor & Hobbs, said: “We’re proud to be able to sponsor this event for a third year. We have been a long-term supporter of the University of Bradford’s School of Law, and we hope that will continue.”
Professor Engobo Emeseh, head of the School of Law, said: “Our commitment to produce work-ready graduates with both academic and skills to be competitive in the work place is a core value of our School. We are grateful to Proctor and Hobbs Solicitors for their continued partnership with us on this mock-trial competition to give students much needed practical skills. All of the participants demonstrated strong advocacy skills and we know that the experience would have boosted their confidence in their own abilities. Congratulations to all of them and especially David Eke who has come out on top this year.”
Law lecturer Tuiya Tembo said: “The annual law competition is one of the highlights of the year. We’re grateful to Proctor & Hobbs for their continued support, and we’re also grateful to students for giving their all in what is a challenging competition.”
Pictured above: participants in the 2023 School of Law mock trials.
Professor Amir Sharif, Dean of the Faculty of Management, Law & Social Sciences, said: “Our mock trial competitions continually go from strength to strength. Now in its third consecutive year, we are grateful for the recognition of our student’s excellence through our partnership with Proctor & Hobbs and the annual prizes. This continues to highlight the value both the firm as well as our academic colleagues in the School of Law places on excellence, commitment and ingenuity in the courtroom. Many congratulations to David and well done to all students who took part.”
The law trials are live-streamed over several days, with people able to vote on the winner. Lecturers come up with various scenarios each year in a bid to challenge students' knowledge of advocacy.